Mental Health Tech I - Mental Health Unit - Full time - Days

Dayton Children's Hospital

17h

About The Position

The Mental Health Technician (MHT), functioning under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Mental Health Clinician, provides direct care to mental health patients based on established standards and licensure guidelines. The MHT models Dayton Children’s values through effective interactions with patients, families, and treatment team members while providing excellent care. The MHT provides supportive, trauma-informed care to patients and families, helps maintain a safe and therapeutic milieu, completes routine safety checks, and provides constant attendance on patients as ordered. The role supports patient safety and adherence to treatment plans, assists with activities of daily living, documents care, and collaborates with the treatment team. The MHT may also function as a unit clerk and/or support coordinator, assisting the team lead with clerical duties and daily unit operations. The MHT follows confidentiality and privacy guidelines, reports relevant patient information such as behavioral changes and mental status updates, and uses de-escalation techniques as part of the safety management program. The role promotes a patient- and family-centered, trauma-informed environment and responds to changing census and customer needs in the mental health setting. The position serves the Mental Health Unit at the Mathile Center for Mental Health and Wellness.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Strong therapeutic communication skills.
Ability to accept delegated tasks and ask pertinent questions.
Knowledge and understanding to report patient information as indicated.
Ability to uphold confidentiality and privacy guidelines.
Ability to provide supportive, trauma-informed care and follow safety procedures.

Responsibilities

Provide direct care to mental health patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Mental Health Clinician.
Provide supportive, trauma-informed care to patients and families.
Maintain a safe and therapeutic milieu.
Complete routine safety checks and provide constant attendance on patients as ordered.
Support patient safety and adherence to treatment plans.
Use therapeutic communication and report patient information, including behavioral changes and mental status updates, as indicated.
Handle sensitive patient information in accordance with confidentiality and privacy guidelines.
Assist patients with activities of daily living.
Document care appropriately and collaborate with the treatment team.
Function as a unit clerk and/or support coordinator when needed, assisting the team lead with clerical duties and unit operations.
Comply with the safety management program and use de-escalation techniques to help maintain a secure, therapeutic environment free of hazards and reduce injury risk.
Promote a patient- and family-centered, trauma-informed environment and respond to changing census and customer needs.
Model Dayton Children’s values and support the hospital’s mission and the mental health unit’s goals.